Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Dry Rock Bacteria Starter Kit – QuikCycl + Start XLM + Clean – Up to 100 gal

Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter Dry Rock Bacteria Starter Kit – Up to 100 gal

Kickstart your new reef with confidence! This kit provides everything needed for a fishless cycle on dry rock and dry sand—precise nutrients, live nitrifying bacteria, and a follow‑up cleaner to help tame the early “ugly stage.” 🧪🪸✨

What’s Inside (Use in this order)

• MicrōBacter QuikCycl – 60 ml: Ammonia‑based nutrient to feed nitrifiers during fishless cycling.
• MicrōBacter Start XLM – 125 ml: Professional‑strength live nitrifying bacteria culture for rapid cycling (marine).
• MicrōBacter CLEAN – 500 ml: Select microbes and enzymes to reduce organics and help minimize the “ugly stage” after the cycle.

Why It’s Great

• Designed specifically for dry rock + dry sand starts (avoid “live sand” or bacteria‑seeded artificial rock).
• Provides a controlled, fishless cycle—no risk to livestock.
• Treats up to 100 gallons (≈ 7 weeks of CLEAN maintenance after cycling).
• Pairs perfectly with regular ammonia/nitrite/nitrate testing for a safe, predictable start.

Full Day‑by‑Day Cycling Guide (Day 1–9+)

• Day 1
  • Turn off skimmer & UV; remove fine mechanical filtration (filter socks).
  • Dechlorinate if using tap water (e.g., Brightwell Erāse‑CL). Skip if using RODI.
  • Set salinity & temperature, then dose QuikCycl: 4 drops/gal (≈1 ml/5 gal).
  • Test ammonia—target ~1–2 ppm total (NH₃+NH₄⁺). Do not add extra ammonia.
  • Add MicroBacter Start XLM as directed on its label.
• Day 2 – Test & record pH, ammonia, nitrite.
• Day 3 – Test & record pH, ammonia, nitrite.
• Day 4 – Test pH, ammonia, nitrite. If ammonia or nitrite > 0.25 ppm, you may add more bacteria (not more QuikCycl).
• Day 5 – Test & record pH, ammonia, nitrite.
• Day 6 – Test pH, ammonia, nitrite. If > 0.25 ppm, you may add more bacteria.
• Day 7
  • Test pH, ammonia, nitrite. If using Start XLM and both are 0, test nitrate.
  • If nitrate ≥ 0.25 ppm, your aquarium is cycled.
  • If not, proceed to Day 8.
• Day 8 – Test & record pH, ammonia, nitrite.
• Day 9+
  • Continue daily tests. When both ammonia & nitrite = 0, verify nitrate ≥ 0.25 ppm → cycled.
  • Perform a 25% water change, then slowly introduce hardy livestock.
  • Restart UV, skimmer, and mechanical filtration. Go slow!

How to Use MicrōBacter CLEAN (Post‑Cycle)

• Maintenance: 20 ml per 25 gal weekly; turn off skimmer & UV for 4 hours after dosing.
• Accelerated/Problem tanks: Day 1 dose 30 ml per 25 gal, then 5 ml per 25 gal daily for ~2 weeks.

Safety & Tips

• Fishless only: Do not use QuikCycl in tanks with fish, corals, or inverts.
• Avoid carbon/GFO and bacteria‑seeded “live sand/rock” during the cycle—they can interfere.
• Test daily; patience beats overdosing.

What’s Included

• MicrōBacter QuikCycl – 60 ml
• MicrōBacter Start XLM – 125 ml
• MicrōBacter CLEAN – 500 ml

More Information

Shop Components & Refills

• MicrōBacter QuikCycl – 60 ml
• MicrōBacter Start XLM – 125 ml
• MicrōBacter CLEAN – 500 ml